When I paddled the Epic 18 I was expecting some kind of miracle and didn't find it. I guess because of all the racing heritage I thought it was going to be very fast and it wasn't. My Outer Island seemed faster but I'm not a boat specs junkie and I'm sure it's a fine boat as others in their line if your feel good in it.

If you research bow shapes and read articles by major boat designers (naval architects) the overhang bow is not a detriment or a hindrance. It may not be a huge advantage but it's not a disadvantage unless you have a 16' garage and want the most underwater length. One thing that rocker can contribute to a kayak is stability in rough water with the trade being a slower hull speed. I think with articles like the epic one, it's important to remember that all boat design is trade offs and that includes how boats look as well.

I remember the Epic video with a 16 ft Epic going over giant waves and a highly rockered Brit boat plowing through. If the wave is longer than the boat the hi rockered boat has no advantage. So, in short steep chop the rockered 16 would most likely perform more smoothly than the flatter 16 Epic. But if people like one boat over another for any reason, fine ... enjoy paddling.

VW has a heritage too and the beetle is still out there for those who want one.